Press & PR

A new government green paper to be unveiled next week will propose a "three strike" approach to online piracy.

Under the scheme, people downloading data illegally would first receive a warning email, followed by a suspension for a second offence and the termination of their broadband on a third infringement.

It would also place the onus on internet service providers (ISPs) to effectively monitor the usage habits of its customers.

The Times reported on the proposals yesterday and the developments have already received criticism from ISPs and web commentators.

Ben Camm-Jones of Web User magazine told the Sun that it was both unrealistic and unfair to charge providers with regulating usage.

"The amount of resources the ISPs would need to monitor every download would be phenomenal," he asserted.

Mr Camm-Jones also reported that one provider he had spoken to likened the proposals to asking post offices to open every letter that it sends.

People fed up with government regulation of private communications may look to the added security of VoIP services. A recent government report has noted that internet phone services are making it difficult for outside agencies to listen in on calls.

Vonage is providing an effective way for people to make cheap calls using their broadband connection.

The V-Plan 1 offers unlimited inclusive calls throughout the UK for just £5.99 a month.